Tall, Dark & Chicano

Director: Marty Callner.
George Lopez's 2009 effort, Tall, Dark & Chicano, is almost indistinguishable from its predecessor, 2007's America's Mexican, but considering the high laugh count on both, this isn't a bad thing. Once again, much of the material is drawn from Lopez's wild family, just with some new, hipper slang thrown in to bring the comedian up to the time. A bit about how Latino kids are too tough for "Sexual Predators" pushes the envelope a shade further than before, but listeners who have already made the jump from Lopez's television sitcom to his standup act are well aware it can be a foul and bumpy ride. It's also a hilarious one and tempered with more meaningful laughs, which are found here in the two proud routines that bookend the set. The nomination and confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor provides the inspiration for Lopez's outstanding opener, while a whirlwind of Chicano pride brings the set to a triumphant close. With Lopez demonstrating the same drive, wit, and wicked attitude as last time out, his fans will welcome all this familiar material with open arms. ~ David Jeffries